How do I get a UK work visa from the USA?

Aside from being a top tourism and study destination, the UK has a vibrant job market that is attractive to foreign workers, including those from the USA. Obtaining a work visa in the UK is not entirely straight forward, especially as it usually requires the worker to have secured a job in the UK already.

Do US citizens need a visa to work in the UK?

US citizens can visit the UK as a visitor for up to 6 months. They do not need to apply for a visitor visa before travel, as they will receive a visitor stamp in their passport at the border. However, they are required to apply for work visas in order to work in the UK. There are only very limited activities that can be undertaken as a business visitor, so it is important for a US national to understand when a work visa is required.

How can US citizens apply for a UK work visa?

Eligible US nationals can apply for a UK work visa in the US, or in any other country where they have the legal right of residence.

There are several types of UK work visas, such as the popular Skilled Worker visa, the Global Business Mobility visas, or the Temporary Worker visas. Most of these visa categories require the applicant to be sponsored by a UK firm in a job that is eligible for sponsorship. Eligibility usually revolves around salary level, skill level, qualifications and English language ability.

Applications are usually made online. Once the online application has been submitted, the applicant needs to attend a biometrics appointment to give their fingerprints and have a digital photograph taken. Processing times tend to be around 15 working days from the date of the appointment. Faster processing can be purchased for an additional fee.

Dependants, such as spouses, partners and children under the age of 18, can apply at the same time as the main applicant, or at a later date.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK work visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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